sandpiper

noun

sand·​pip·​er ˈsan(d)-ˌpī-pər How to pronounce sandpiper (audio)
: any of various small shorebirds (family Scolopacidae, the sandpiper family) distinguished from the related plovers chiefly by the longer and soft-tipped bill

Illustration of sandpiper

Illustration of sandpiper

Examples of sandpiper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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For birdwatchers in particular, the downy woodpecker, purple martin and spotted sandpiper are just a few of the species that might make an appearance, while native mammals range from the red fox to the river otter—but the park is perhaps best known for its diverse array of reptiles. Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 Just sandpipers skimming the surf, green sea turtles digging moonlit nests — and, every so often, Richard Gere strolling on the beach. Kathryn Romeyn, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025 Not an eclipsed sunrise but flocks of sandpipers and other shorebirds flocking against a reddening dawn sky. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Wild birds like ducks, geese, swans, storks, plovers, sandpipers, gulls and terns are all susceptible to bird flu. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sandpiper

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sandpiper was in 1674

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Cite this Entry

“Sandpiper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandpiper. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

sandpiper

noun
sand·​pip·​er -ˌpī-pər How to pronounce sandpiper (audio)
: any of numerous small shorebirds with usually long bills and legs

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